Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 October 1990 from one or more
of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources,
correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.
Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK 1998.

There were numerous naval craft offshore in the area, and the aircraft was
observed to make several low level passes over some of them. On one low
level pass, the aircraft was seen to start a climb and roll to the left
engine in an inverted position. A recovery back to the right was attempted,
but the left wing struck the water and the aircraft crashed and
disintegrated.

One of the naval craft was on the scene of the crash within 2 minutes, but
the aircraft had already disappeared beneath the water. There was some
floating wreckage and debris which the crew off the boat retrieved. The
debris identified the crew of the aircraft as being Suttleman and Hines.
Some remains were also recovered and identified as those of Maj. Suttleman.

A search for Hines was continued, but proved unsuccessful. An over water/at
sea casualty resolution operation was conducted during the period of July -
September 1973 to determine the feasability or desirability of expanding
such operations to be used in cases such as this. Based on the combined
factors of cost and lack of any positive results whatsoever, the at sea
operations were terminated. It was determined that there was no hope of
recovering Hines' body.

Vaughn Hines is listed with honor among the missing because no remains were
found. His case seems quite clear. For others who are listed missing,
resolution is not as simple. Many were known to have survived their loss
incident. Quite a few were in radio contact with search teams and describing
an advancing enemy. Some were photographed or recorded in captivity. Others
simply vanished without a trace.

Reports continue to mount that we abandoned hundreds of Americans to the
enemy when we left Southeast Asia. While Hines may not be among them, one
can imagine his willingness to fly one more mission to gather the
intelligence needed to secure their rescue and flight to freedom.